Dispensing device



Dec. 8, 1936. A. H. JOHNSON DISPENSING DEVICE Filed Jan. 50, 1935 45 gagement with said depressions t h ld th rior thereof. This construction provides a cylin- 45 Patented Dec. 8, 1936 UNHTED STATES PATENT OFFIQE DISPENSING DEVICE Ansgarius Hezekiel Johnson, Minneapolis, Minn.

Application January 30, 1935, Serial No. 4,029

12 Claims. (01. 221-107) My invention relates to dispensing devices and Another object of the invention resides in the particularly to devices for despensing measured specific construction of the agitator and in the quantities of various substances such as coffee manner of mounting and operating the same. and the like. An object of the invention resides in providing An object of the invention resides in providing a container having openings at the upper and a device which may be readily adjusted to prolower end thereof, said container being secured cure various quantities of such substances. to said case with the lower end communicating A still further object of the invention resides with the inlet and in further providing a closure in providing a case having a cylindrical bore for the upper end of said case.

therein and in providing within said case a drum Other objects of the invention reside in the 10 constructed with a cylindrical wall and with two novel combination and arrangement of parts and heads forming a laterally opening pocket, one in the details of construction hereinafter illusof said heads being fixed relative to the drum and trated and/or described.

the other being movable with respect thereto. In the drawing:

A feature of the invention resides in construct- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing de- 15 ing the case with an inlet communicating with vice illustrating an embodiment of my invention. said pocket when the drum is in one position and Fig. 2 is a fragmentary elevational sectional with an outlet communicating with the pocket View taken on line 22 of Fig. 1. when the drum is in another position, Fig. 3 is an elevational sectional view taken on Another object of the invention resides in conline 33 of Fig. 2. 20 structing the case open at one end and with an Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the end wall at its other end and in providing the parts in altered position. fixed head of the drum with a trunnion extend- In the dispensing of coffee for the purpose of ing through said end wall and in further rothe preparation of fiee bev it becomes viding a knob secured to said trunnion for turnhighly desirable to quickly and conveniently ad- 5 ing the drum. just the amount of coifee discharged every time A still further object of the invention resides the device is Operated. The Present ention in providing means extending through said case p o an extremely Simple and practical defor moving said movable head tovary the cavice whereby these desired results can be propacity of the device. cured. 30

A feature of the invention resides in employing y inVention C p se a Case which Cona plunger for said movable head, said plunger tains the measuring a dispensing nts o turning with respect to said case and being the invention and to which is attached a jar il adapted to h lid to ard and f th fixed serving as a container for the substance to be head, dispensed. Within the case H3 is disposed a drum 35 An object of the invention resides in providing 12 which operate p rotation to measure D an end bell attached to said ca f r closing th determined quantities of the substance contained open nd th reof, within the jar II and to discharge the same from Another object of the invention resides in Said Case- These Various pa ts will nOW be demounting said plunger for rotation and recipros d in d a l. 40 ti i id nd b 11 The case II] is substantially cylindrical in form A feature of the invention resides in oonstructbeing constructed With a y d ical Wall l3 and ing said plunger with depressions and in prowith an end wall Hi connected thereto. The other viding latching means in said end bell for enend of the case is Open 110 g Ve access to the inteable head in adjusted position, drical bore I5 within the case which communi- Another object of the invention resides in the Gates With the eXteriOI' through the pen end specific construction for attaching the end bell thereof- The case is further ucted with a to the case cap I6 forming a part thereof, which cap is pro- A still further object of the invention resides Vided With an outwardly flaring l I? m at- 50 in providing an agitator extending into the inlet in an upwardly eXfiel'ldil'lg circular fla e E- to the case and operated by said drum. The circular flange 18 is threaded as designated An object of the invention resides in spacing at r the P p Of attaching the jar H the fixed head from the end wall of the case and theretoe Cylindrical Wa l l3 of said case is in extending said agitator into said sp ce. Constructed W an p ing 2| at the upper por- 55 tion thereof which forms an inlet for the case and is further constructed with an opening 22 at the lower portion thereof which constitutes the outlet for the case. A spout 23 at the outlet 22 serves to lead the measured quantity of substance from the device and to direct it into any suitable receptacle placed beneath the said spout.

The jar comprises a body portion 24 which may be of any desired shape and which may be constructed ornamental in appearance. This jar is provided at the upper portion thereof with a top 25 which is constructed with an opening through which the substance to be dispensed may be introduced into said jar. This opening is surrounded by a threaded neck upon which may be screwed a cover 2! by means of which access to the jar may be had. The lower portion of the jar is constructed with a hopper 28 which directs the contents of the jar into the case I I]. This hopper is also constructed with an opening which is surrounded by a neck 29. Neck 29 is con structed with threads 3| which engage the threads I9 of the flange I8 and by means of which the jar may be attached to the case III. A gasket 32 disposed between the end of the neck 29 and a shoulder 33 formed on the wall I! of cap I6 forms a suitable seal between the container 24 and the case In. A similar gasket may be used between the cover 21 and the jar.

The drum I2 is cylindrical in form and is disposed within the bore I5. This drum comprises a cylindrical wall 34 and two heads 35 and 36 at the ends of the same forming a pocket 39 within said drum. The head 35 is fixed with respect to the drum, being integral with the wall 34 thereof while the head 36 is movable toward and from the head 35 in a manner to be presently described in detail. The cylindrical wall 34 of the drum is formed with a lateral opening 38 by means of which the pocket 39 may be brought into communication with either the inlet 2| or the outlet 22. When the drum I2 is turned to the position shown in Fig. 3 coffee or any other substance contained within the jar I I passes through the hopper 28 and inlet 22 into pocket 39. When the drum I2 is turned to the position shown in Fig. 4 the opening 38 of pocket 39 is brought into communication with the outlet 22 which permits of the discharge of the substance from said pocket and into any suitable receptacle placed beneath the spout 23.

The drum I2 is rotatably mounted in the bore I5 in case I6 and also in a bearing formed in the end wall I 4 of the case. For turning the drum the said drum is constructed with a trunnion 4| which projects outwardly from the head 35 thereof. This trunnion is enlarged as indicated at 42 to form a shaft which is received within a bearing 43 in the end wall I4 of the case. A collar 44 formed on the head 35 adjacent the shaft 42 engages the end wall I4 of the case and holds the said head spaced therefrom, leaving an annular space 45 between said drum and case. The drum I2 is turned by means of a knob 46. This knob has attached to it a shank 4! which is provided with a socket 48 adapted to receive the trunnion 4|. A segment key 5| on the shank 4! engages a corresponding flat 99 formed on the trunnion 4|, which prevents relative rotation between the knob 46 and the drum proper. The knob 46 is held attached to the drum by means of a countersunk machine screw 52 which extends through the head 35 of the drum and trunnion 4| thereof and which is threaded into the shank 41 of said knob 46. The

shaft 42 forms a shoulder 53 against which the end 54 of the shank 4I abuts. By means of this construction the drum is held from axial movement, the collar 44 restraining movement in one direction and the end 54 of the shank 4! restraining movement in the other direction.

For closing the open end of the case I0 an end bell 58 is employed. This end bell is provided with a flange 59 which is received in the end of the bore I6. Flange 59 is constructed with a bead 6| which engages the end of the case II] and which restrains movement of the said flange inwardly into the bore I5. A lug 62 formed in the lowermost portion of the flange 59 engages into the spout 23 and holds the lowermost portion of said end bell in position. In the flaring wall I! of cap I6 is provided a countersunk machine screw 63 which is threaded into the flange 59 and holds the upper portion thereof attached to the neck. By means of this construction the end bell is securely held in position through means inaccessible from the exterior of the case.

The end bell 58 is provided at the center thereof with an inwardly extending boss 64. This boss is formed with a bore 65 in which is slidably and rotatably mounted a plunger 66. Plunger 66 is formed with a spindle 6! which can slide and rotate in the bore 65 and is provided at its outer end with a button 68 by means of which the said plunger may be manipulated. The extreme end 69 of the spindle 6! is reduced in diameter and threaded to screw into the head 36 of drum I2. By means of this construction the said head may be reciprocated longitudinally with respect to the axis of said drum so as to vary the length of the pocket 39. The head 36 is shown at its extreme left hand position in full lines in Fig. 2 and at its extreme right hand position in dotted lines in said figure. When in the position shown in full lines the pocket 39 is of maximum capacity and when the head is disposed as shown in dotted lines the pocket is of minimum capacity.

For the purpose of holding the head 36 in adjusted position the spindle 6! is constructed with a number of circumferential grooves I I. A ball I2 mounted in the end bell 58 is adapted to engage these grooves and to hold the plunger 66 from axial movement. This ball is contained in an elongated opening I3 formed in a boss III on end bell 58. A spring I4 is seated at one end against said ball and urges the ball into engagement with the groove II. This spring is seated at its other end against a plug I5 screwed into the boss I4. By means of this construction a yielding latching mechanism is provided which permits of sliding the plunger 66 axially to move the head 36 toward and from the head 35. Such construction also serves to retain the plunger and the head attached thereto in adjusted position.

In order to accurately measure out a predetermined amount of the substance contained within the jar II an agitator I6 is employed. This agitator is preferably constructed from wire and embodies an elongated portion (1 which extends through the flaring wall I I of cap I6 and into the space 45 between the head 35 and end wall I4 of case Ill. The end of the elongated portion 11' is constructed with an eye I8 which is looped over a pin I9 formed on the head 35. This pin serves to slide the portion II with respect to the case. To provide a tight joint at the point of entry of agitator I6 into the space 45, the following construction is used. At such locality a socket BI is formed in cap I6 which has mounted in it a cylindrical plug 82. plug substantially fills the socket which is closed by the head 35. The portion 1'! extends through the said plug and slides in the same. As the agitator is oscillated and reciprocated the same slides in plug 82 and the said plug simultaneously rotates. At the end of the agitator 16 is provided an arm 83 which extends transversely across the hopper 28 of jar II and serves to agitate the substance within the jar. By means of this construction the pocket 39 is always filled to capacity and the same amount of substance discharged from the device each time the device is operated.

For the purpose of supporting the device a wall plate 84 is employed which is attached to the wall through screws insertable through suitable openings 85 in said plate. The plate 84 is formed with two ears 88 and 89 which are constructed with facing grooves 9| and 92 arranged in converging relation to form a socket. A bracket 93 is attached to the cap it and is provided with a head 94 having lateral portions 95 adapted to enter the grooves 9| and 92. By means of this construction the entire device may be easily and quickly applied to the wall plate 94 and when applied is firmly attached thereto. Upon raising the device the same is readily removed from the wall plate to permit of inspection and repair.

The use of my invention is as follows: The wall plate 84 is first attached to the wall by applying screws thereto through the holes 85. Head 94 is next inserted into the socket formed in said wall plate. The device is then rigidly mounted. Cover 21 is next removed and the container 24 filled with the desired substance to be dispensed. Knob 46 is next rotated to the left as far as it will go taking the position shown in Fig. 3. When in this position the opening 38 in drum I2 communicates with the inlet 2| and the coffee or other substance contained within container 24 enters the pocket 39. When in such position the eye 18 of the agitator 16 engages a stop 96 formed on the end wall I4 of case l9 which limits the turning of the drum. The knob 46 is then turned in a clockwise direction until the eye 18 engages another stop 91 formed on the end wall I4 of case 19 opposite the stop 96. The parts are then disposed as in Fig. 4. When so arranged the opening 38 to pocket 39 is in communication with the outlet 22 and the coffee or other substance contained within said pocket discharges through the spout 23 and into the receptacle placed beneath the device.

My invention is highly advantageous in that an extremely simple and practical device is provided whereby predetermined amounts of cofiee or any other desired bulk substance may be accurately measured out and dispensed. The device can be constructed by ordinary manufacturing methods at an extremely economical price. Adjustment of the amount of substance measured may be accomplished by simple manipulation of the adjusting plunger which is accessible from the exterior of the case. This plunger is so designed that predetermined quantities can be procured by moving the said plunger to predetermined positions. By means of the agitator employed the same amount of substance is at all times delivered. The device is extremely neat and attractive in appearance. There are no complicated or intricate parts to get out of order and the device will function indefinitely without attention. All of the devices for fastening the parts together are disposed within the interior of the case so that the same are completely concealed and protected and out of view.

Changes in the specific form of my invention, as herein disclosed, may be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. In a dispensing device, a case having a cylindrical bore, said case being open at one end and having an end wall at its other end, a drum within said case adapted to turn about its 1ongitudinal axis, said drum being constructed with a cylindrical wall, a head at one end fast to said cylindrical wall and a head at its other end movable toward and from said first named head and forming in conjunction with said cylindrical wall and first named head a pocket in said drum opening laterally through said cylindrical wall, means extending through said end wall of the case for turning said drum, an end bell secured to the open end of said case, a plunger concentrically disposed with respect to the axis of said drum and mounted for axial movement in said end bell, said movable head being carried by said plunger, means forming an inlet in said case communicating with said pocket when the drum is in one position, and means forming an outlet in said case communicating with said pocket when the drum is in another position.

2. In a dispensing device, a case, a drum within the case adapted to turn about its longitudinal axis, said drum having a pocket provided with a lateral opening and bounded at one end by a head movable axially with respect to said drum, a member slidably mounted in said case and extending through the wall of the same for engagement without the case, said member being connected to said head and serving to move the same, means extending through the wall of the case for turning said head, means forming an inlet in said case communicating with said pocket when the drum is in one position, and means forming an outlet in said case communicating with said pocket when the drum is in another position.

3. In a dispensing device, a case, a drum within the case adapted to turn about its longitudinal axis, said drum having a pocket provided with a lateral opening and bounded at one end by a. head movable axially with respect to said drum, a member slidably mounted in said case and extending through the wall of the same for engagement without the case, said member being connected to said head and serving to move the same, latching means for engaging said member to hold the head in adjusted position, means extending through the wall of the case for turning said drum, and means forming an inlet in said case communicating with said pocket when the drum is in one position, and means forming an outlet in said case communicating with said pocket when the drum is in another position.

4. In a dispensing device, a case having a cylindrical bore, said case being open at one end and being formed with an end wall at its other end, a drum insertable into said case through the open end thereof, said druin being constructed with a laterally opening pocket, means extending through said end wall for turning said drum and for journalling the same, an end bell for closing said case at the open end thereof, said end bell having a hook on one side thereof extending into said case and engaging a part thereof, and a. screw threaded into said case from the interior thereof and engaging said end bell on the other side thereof, said hook and screw serving to hold the end bell in position, means forming an inlet in said case communicating with said pocket when the drum is in one position, and means forming an outlet in said case communicating with said pocket when the drum is in another position.

5. In a dispensing device, a case having a cylindrical bore, said case being open at one end and being provided with an end wall at its other end, a drum insertable into said case through the open end thereof, said drum being constructed with a laterally opening pocket, a trunnion on said drum extending through the end wall of said case, said trunnion being formed with an eccentrio part, a knob having a shank, said shank being constructed with a bore to receive said trunnion, said shank having an eccentric part engaging the eccentric part of said trunnion and holding said knob from rotation with respect to the drum, said drum being formed with a shoulder against which said shank abuts, the end of said shank limiting the movement of the drum axially within said bore, a screw extending through the end wall of said drum and trunnion and threaded into said shank, means for closing the open end of said case, means forming an inlet in said case communicating with said pocket when the drum is in one position, and means forming an outlet in said case communicating with said pocket when the drum is in another position.

6. In a dispensing device, a case having a cylindrical bore, said case being open at one end and being provided with an end wall at its other end, a drum insertable into said case through the open end thereof, said drum being constructed with a cylindrical wall and two heads forming a laterally opening pocket therein, one of said heads lying adjacent the end wall of said case, a collar on said drum adjacent one head and spacing said head from the end wall of the case, means forming a hopper in said case communicating with said pocket when the drum is in one position, means forming an outlet for the case communicating with said pocket when the drum is in another position, an agitator comprising a spindle member extending into the case and into the space between said head and end wall, means for guiding said member for sliding and swinging movement at its point of entry into the case, means attached to said head and engaging said member for oscillating the same upon turning of said drum and agitating means formed on said agitator and extending into said hopper.

7. In a dispensing device, a case having a cylindrical bore, said case being open at one end and being formed with an end wall at its other end, a drum insertable into said case through the open end thereof, said drum being constructed with a cylindrical wall and two heads forming a laterally opening pocket therein, one of said heads lying adjacent the end wall of said case, a collar on said drum adjacent one head and spacing said head from the end wall of the case, means forming a hopper in said case communicating with said pocket when the drum is in one position, means forming an outlet for the case communicating with said pocket when the drum is in another position, an agitator comprising a wire member extending through the case and into the space between said head and end wall, a cylindrical socket in said case at the point of entry of said wire member therein, said socket havin its axis parallel to the axis of said drum, a cylindrical sealing member disposed within said socket for oscillatory movement therein, said wire memher being slidably mounted in said sealing member, means carried by said head for oscillating and sliding said wire member, and agitating means on said agitator disposed within said hopper.

8 In a dispensing device, a receptacle, a case attached thereto and having a cylindrical bore in communication with said receptacle and being formed at one end of said bore with an end wall, a drum within said bore, said drum having a head spaced from said end wall, an agitator having a part disposed between said head and end wall, and another part extending into said receptacle, means carried by said end wall for supporting said agitator for sliding and swinging movement, and means on said head for engagement with said agitator part for operating the agitator.

9. In a dispensing device, a receptacle, a case attached thereto and having a cylindrical bore in communication with said receptacle and being formed at one end of said bore with an end wall, a drum within said bore, said drum having a head spaced from said end wall, an agitator having a part disposed between said head and end wall, and another part extending into said receptacle, means carried by said end wall for supporting said agitator for sliding and swinging movement, said agitator part having an opening therein, and a crank pin on said head of a length substantially equal to the distance between said head and end wall, said crank pin extending through said opening in the agitator and operating said agitator.

10. In a dispensing device, a receptacle, a case attached thereto and having a cylindrical bore in communication with said receptacle and being formed at one end of said bore with an end wall, a drum within said bore, said drum having a head disposed adjacent said end wall, a trunnion on said head integral therewith and extending through said end wall, said trunnion having an eccentric part, a knob having a shank, said shank being constructed with a bore to receive said trunnion, said shank having an eccentric part engaging the eccentric part of said trunnion and holding the knob from rotation relative to the drum, said trunnion being formed with a shoulder against which the shank abuts, the end of the shank limiting the movement of the drum relative to the case, a screw extending through said drum and trunnion and threaded into said shank, said screw being accessible from the interior of the drum.

11. In a dispensing device, a case having a cylindrical bore, and an end wall for said bore, a drum within said case adapted to turn about its longitudinal axis, said drum having a cylindrical wall and a head at one end movable axially relative to the cylindrical wall, a plunger attached to said head and extending through said end wall, said end wall having an inwardly extending boss for guiding said plunger for sliding movement, and a flange on said head extending in the opposite direction to said boss and overreaching said boss in one position of said head, said plunger having grooves thereon, and a member carried by said case and disposed within the same, said member being resiliently urged against said grooves.

12. In a dispensing device, a case having a cylindrical bore, and an end. wall for said bore, a drum within said case adapted to turn about its longitudinal axis, said drum having a cylindrical wall and a head at one and movable axially relative to the cylindrical Wall, 'a plunger attached to said head and extending through said end wall, said end wall having an inwardly extending boss for guiding said plunger for sliding movement, and a flange on said head extending in 10 the opposite direction to said boss and overreaching said boss in one position of said head, said plunger having grooves thereon, said boss having a radial slot therein, a ball reciprocable in said slot, and a spring in said slot for urging said ball against the grooves in said plunger, said ball and spring being disposed within said case and Within the confines of said flange when the head is in one position. 

